I have a 1992 Honda Civic that had been garaged for the past five years to be given to my daughter upon obtaining her drivers license. It was fully inspected and past the state inspection. Everything worked on it.
One day the shifter would shift but the light would not come out of drive. It would be on drive and whatevert other gear it was in. It made no noise just would not shift into second from first in auto.
I located this transmission company that was close by and seemed to be a national company. One would assume being national they would have rigurous stantards to go by. I called the company (Cottman Transmission), explained the problem and the man said to come in and they would do an electronic diagnostic on it to determine exactly what was wrong with it. I was to told to bring it in anytime, so I did.
The man was very nice and I told him I had no other means of travel and just wanted to find out the problem and the cost to repair itl I gave him my key and about 20 minutes later he came in and said it was the shifter solinoid and it would cost $360.00 to repair and would need to be ordered. He asked for a $100.00 deposit so I did. I brought it back the next day after he didn't call me as promised to have the item installed.
Well, after thirty minutes the manager/owner came in with this somber grin and said that it was not the solonid and I would need a new transmission. The cost $1800.00 to $2000.00. I said I thought it would be best to get a second opionion. I also expected my deposit back since they hadn't really done anything.
Well now this is when I find out they didn't do an electriconic diagnosis just a visual. I had to pay for labor, Hazmat and supplies! I mean I expected to pay the $80.00 for the electric diagnosis but this was just down right dishonest. I mean what supplies did they use? What hazardous material did they have to dispose of since they put the old one back on. And the remainder $80.00 what a joke I don't even think they changed them. If it had worked the price was to be $360.00. I called around and found that the solonoid cost $164.00 leaving them a $200.00 plus profit for a twenty minute job!!!
These guys are there to do nothing more then take your money by lying to you and exaggarating the problem, if not making it worse.
After I picked up my care I noticed the radio and automatik antenna didn't work anymore. I called to ask why and the man got obnoxious saying they didn't touch the radio and if it wasn't working it was my problem.
I finally found a company with integrity and a good reputation foy transmission repair in Ricmond. I learned alot from them for instance a diagnosis takes about an hour and sends codes as there are electrical wires inside the transmisssion. He cut me some slack after heraring my story. Also said they get alot of cottmans cars because of thier lack of integrity and competent workmenship. If you would like thier name just contact me and I'll let you know.
In closing all I can say is be forwarned!!! Cottoman is a scam and a liar. Thier mechanics don't know what they are doing and the owner is a slickster all the way.
Pay for the electrical diagnosis and see it because a company with integrity has nothing to hide.
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